OpenOffice is a free open-source alternative to Microsoft Office. Launched in 2002, the office suite has lured 300 million downloads.
The open-source office software handles word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, databases and more. Again it is free and you can get it here. You can also try NeoOffice, a fork project, here.
Matthew Fortner has been at The News & Observer since 2002. He has a passion for gadgets, cutting-edge technology and all things geek.